A free monthly review of French news & trends

VOL. 09.07 AUGUST 21

Professor Engineers Marathon Journeys — and Physiological Advances For Philippe Fuchs,ultramarathon runner and professor of engineering at the elite Ecole des ware, and the Institute of Mines de , it's not about the destination — it's about the journey.Fuchs, who runs 30 Movement Sciences in , to to 45 miles every day during his trips, is determined to take advantage of the magnificent create a model of his foot. Once this sights along his route: "If someone wants to show me something, I stop! I'm not so much virtual foot — the world's first — is interested in competition as discovery," Fuchs says of his travels. perfected, it will be used in hospitals At 58 and after more than 20 years running,Fuchs has seen a lot. Since his very first run for physiotherapy exercises and at the age of 36, in which he traveled from Nantes to Mont-Saint-Michel in three days, Fuchs could potentially be the first step in has embarked on multiple cross-country marathons. Many of these runs have, fittingly creating a model of the entire enough, coincided with the Olympics. In 1992, he ran from Paris to the Barcelona Olympic human body. In this way, Fuchs's Games and in 2004 he ran 1,500 miles to reach the Athens Olympics. But the 2008 Beijing marathons feed both of his pas- Olympics presented a new challenge: Fuchs had to pass through far-off countries and the sions, running and engineering,and treacherous Gobi Desert.He explains,"The greatest risk there is ofinjuring yourself.You have simultaneously provide him with to run [435 miles] on rugged dirt tracks, at temperatures of [104 degrees Fahrenheit] in the experiences, such as running .3ds.com/VplusR shade...except there isn't any shade!" through Mongolia, Montenegro © Phillipe Fuchs/Dassault Systèmes www Fuch's adventures are not just an opportunity for him to stretch his legs, however. and the Croatian islands, which he Fuchs ran from to Beijing for the He has partnered with Dassault Systèmes, a world leader in computer-aided design soft- describes as "unforgettable." 2008 Olympic Games. The Red, White, and Blue Goes Green with New Environmental Legislature A leader of renewable energy,France reached another milestone in its envi- lawmakers also raised the 2020 national objective for renewable energy ronmental efforts on July 23 with the passage of the Grenelle 1 Bill, production from 20 to 23 percent. The bill aims to preserve natural approved by the . This bill is the culmination of two years of deliber- resources and biodiversity, increase research funding for sustainable ation within the Grenelle de l’environnement, a consultative roundtable of development to one billion dollars,and improve water purity,while dou- state and civil actors advanced by French President and bling France's water supply by 2015. The act also focuses on fiscal policy, launched in May 2007. The first of its kind, Grenelle 1 restructures French choice of infrastructure, regulation of public purchasing,transport poli- environmental policies and develops new requirements for growth com- cy and farming,fishing and product distribution. In addition to creating patible with the idea of finite world resources. The Act drew from the expe- an anticipated 600,000 "green" jobs, the environmental plan extends riences of a committee comprised of employers, government representa- awareness to the public by conveying present and future concerns, tives, local authorities, unions and NGOs. including the possible depletion of oil before the end of the century. The Grenelle de l’environnement officially recognizes the urgency of the Minister of Ecology and head of the Grenelle Jean-Louis Borloo under- environmental situation. One of the top priorities of the law is the con- scores that the legislation represents "a shared vision of the future...that struction sector,where all new buildings will have to abide by low energy Renewable energy is a top reunites the actors of society and representatives of the nation," demon- consumption requirements by 2012.In line with EU commitments,French priority of the new grenelle. strating that "a concerted ecological transformation is possible." French First Lady Gives First-Rate Performance In honor of 's 91st birthday,French Malaria. "That which stirs up my admira- First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy took to the stage for tion is the charity of public figures, such as INSIDE the first time since her union with the French pres- Nelson Mandela, [and] their capacity to get ident a year and a half ago. On July 18, Mrs. Bruni- involved for the good of others," she 2 Current Events Sarkozy honored the former South African presi- declared in an interview for French maga- Maritime Policy dent at New York City's Radio City Hall for zine l'Express. 3 France & America the Mandela Day Concert by performing Bob This charity event, which held a crowd Spectacle in Chicago Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind with Dave Stewart, of 5,900, will support the Nelson Mandela 4 In Depth from the group Eurythmics. President Sarkozy Foundation in its endeavor to raise Paris Plage among the distinguished crowd that attended the HIV/AIDS and poverty awareness in Africa. first lady's performance, which also included her hit July 18 also marked the first annual 5 Business & Tech Quelqu'un m'a dit. "Mandela Day," which will serve "to honor Parisian Tunnel Though Mrs. Bruni-Sarkozy had previously and celebrate former South African 6 Society stated that she would not appear on stage while President Nelson Mandela and his legacy." France and the U.S. her husband was president, she made an excep- Mrs. Bruni-Sarkozy was part of an tion to contribute to Mandela Day as she was impressive line-up that included artists 7 Culture Hidden Treasures Mrs. Bruni-Sarkozy named a Global Ambassador for the protection of such as , Alicia Keys, and performed at the mothers and children against HIV/AIDS of the , as well as actors Morgan 8 France in America Mandela Day Concert. Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Freeman and Matt Damon, among others. Champlain Celebration En bref [ Current Events ] METRO “MOBIL”ITY France Navigates Toward New Maritime Policy During his visit to Le Havre on July 16, French President Nicolas Sarkozy explained the government's plans for the town's major port, but also seized the opportunity to From ordinary metro tickets, to the define and expand on France's newly established, ambi- arrival of the "carte orange," which was tious goals in maritime policy. Developed by the Grenelle recently replaced by the monthly or de la Mer, a consultative body of state actors and civil annual "Navigo" passes, many won- experts, these objectives aim to maximize the benefits dered what the next step would be in from France's seven million square miles of maritime ter- upgrading public transportation in Ile- ritories and its numerous international ports in a way that de-France. The RATP (the Autonomous will also "safeguard the future of the Earth's seas." Operator of Parisian Transports) is explor- To achieve this, President Sarkozy emphasized the need ing the possibility of installing a new for France to "open itself once again to the seas that border mobile payment system allowing all pas- it." He hopes to initiate the construction of a rapid Train à sengers to use their cell-phones as pass- Grande Vitesse (TGV) railway running from Paris to Le es to Ile-de-France's public transporta- tion network. If all goes as planned, the Havre which would bring the capital closer to France's sea- mobile payment project is expected to trading activities and make Greater Paris a maritime launch by the end of 2010. The system metropolis. He also discussed an initiative to "protect the The new initiative aims to maximize the benefits derived proved functional and compatible in test sea's natural resources in order to use them in a more sus- from France’s maritime territories in a sustainable manner. runs held in both Caen and . tainable manner." This involves increasing the proportion of More tests are scheduled in the spring of Marine Protected Areas from one percent of its marine territory to 10 percent by 2012. The President also aims to tap into the ocean's 2010, when 3,000 subscribers will travel renewable energy resources. To bolster the country's maritime workforce, President Sarkozy intends to establish policies for industrial throughout Nice equipped with their trades of the sea and to develop highly specialized schools for maritime training.He plans on reinforcing state actions at sea by creat- new mobile phone payment plans. This ing a body that organizes and coordinates the sharing of resources divided among Customs, the Gendarmerie, the Navy,and Maritime new system will require many modifica- Affairs. Hopes are that strategic allocations and regroupings of their resources will result in more effective operations to combat pollu- tions for cellular phone operators as well tion, illegal fishing, and narcotic trafficking, and to enforce security of maritime transport. as for metro stations, but this investment These ambitions will be more precisely defined in the coming months, when the government issues the livre bleu: a book that is not expected to have any effect on the brings together maritime policy proposals from the State, regional departments, overseas departments, labor unions, and NGOs. prices of transportation. The only aspect future users will have to consider is how to equip themselves with compatible cel- France Finds Châteaux Stimulating, Culturally and Economically lular phones.

SUCCESS IS BAC Academic success is bac on the rise, according to this year's baccalauréat (bac) results. Overall, 78.4 percent of students passed the rigorous test on their first try, up 2.9 percent from 2008. "The results of the 2009 bac are very good," stated Education Minister . "I am happy that the bac continues … to be [a gateway to] higher education. The bac is and will remain an [important] institu- tion." The baccalauréat is a standardized test administered to all high school stu- dents in France, a passing grade to which The renovation and restoration of châteaux is France preserves cultural heritage and stimulates local economies. is required to continue one's studies in col- lege. Students taking the general bac can (above), the famous French château that once lodged countless members of French royalty, is getting a choose between three main concentra- makeover this summer with the help of numerous stone masons, restoration experts, and other artisans. The maintenance tions: science (bac S), economics and of Fontainebleau, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Paris, is a large undertaking, since the palace contains more social studies (bac ES), and literature (bac than 1,500 rooms, including a gilded boudoir where Marie Antoinette spent some of her days. Fontainebleau, however, is L). Each concentration comprises more not the only château receiving the royal treatment this summer. About 50 French châteaux, such as the world-renowned than meets the eye: for example, the bac palace of Versailles, will also benefit from extra attention. Furthermore, 75 cathedrals, including Notre-Dame de Paris, are L not only requires literary knowledge but receiving additional funds. also that of philosophy, history, geogra- These renovation and restoration projects are a large component of the broad economic stimulus program that French phy, and the French language as well as President Nicolas Sarkozy unveiled in December 2008. Of the $37 billion stimulus, a total of approximately $140 million foreign languages. Mr. Chatel announced has been designated specifically for these kinds of national beautification projects. The French government is determined that 80.7 percent of bac S candidates to enact this stimulus package as quickly as possible. , the minister in charge of the French relance, or passed, up 2.1 percent from 2008, while stimulus, plans to spend 75 percent of the stimulus money within the year. "We want rapid results," says Mr. Devedjian. successful candidates increased 4.1 per- cent in the bac ES, and 3.1 percent in the In addition to the restoration of cathedrals and chateaux, other artistic endeavors underway include the construction of a bac L. In total, more than 622,000 stu- museum devoted to Lalique glass in Strasbourg and a new center for Mediterranean culture in Marseille. The stimulus is also dents attempted this year's test. financing less glamorous, but equally important, projects such as fixing potholes and upgrading transportation networks.

2 NEWS FROM FRANCE HOMEADE SHIP BRAVES THE PERILS [ France & America ] OF THE ATLANTIC

Chicago Goes Crazy Over Fous de Bassin This summer, Ilotopie, a Though Ilotopie's spectacle may appear magical to audiences, world-renowned French the troupe actually uses ingeniously engineered vehicles to move performance troupe, will its performers above the water as they act out humorous everyday bring the waters of Lake situations. "Bringing Ilotopie to Navy Pier provides Chicagoans Michigan to life with its and our visitors the opportunity to witness some of the world's hour-long spectacle Fous most incredible and inspiring performers using our City's beauti- de Bassin (Water Fools). ful Lake Michigan waterfront as a unique and limitless perform- The company is famous ance space," stated Criss Henderson, executive director of World's for its waterborne wonders Stage Series. and will be making its Founded in the 1980s, Ilotopie has a cast of 21 artists and 10 American debut August 21 technicians who have brought their street theater and aquatic

and 22 at the Chicago magic to venues such as France's River and the Grand Canal ent Apollon ummers

Shakespeare Theater's de Versailles as well as England's Thames River. The troupe has © Laur World's Stage Series. With also appeared in festivals throughout Europe, Singapore, and Lequin and Moreau sail along © Klaus T heads bursting into flames, Australia. the New York City waterfront in A performer seems to glide a 12-foot-tall performer Both performances will begin at sundown and are free to the their homemade catamaran. along the water's surface. riding a penny farthing, public, while limited preferential seating is available for reserva- Oceanliners are veering out of the and cruising cars — all of which takes place on the surface of Lake tion online for a fee. For more information, please visit: way for adventurers Benoît Lequin, Michigan — the performance promises to entertain. www.chicagoshakes.com. 36, and Pierre-Yves Moreau, 38, as they journey across the Atlantic Ocean this summer in a No Summer Holidays for French-American Relations 20-foot, self-constructed cata- maran. Departing from New York, The summer season took on a French flair as various events highlighted the French-U.S. alliance. © Cameron Griffith French Ambassador to the U.S. Pierre Vimont joined the celebration of the enactment of the the two Frenchmen hope to make Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail Designation Act on July 25 the 2,700 plus-mile voyage to in the New York Hudson Valley cities of Newburgh and Dobbs Ferry.This trail traces the journey of Lorient in less than 11 days. To French troops from Newport, RI, to Yorktown, VA, where they joined American troops and the accomplish this, Lequin and French Navy. Orchestrated by French General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau and U.S. General Moreau will wait for the appropri- George Washington,the joint operation in Yorktown led to the decisive 1781 victory against England. ate weather to begin their symbol- As such, the Ambassador characterized the trail as a "clear demonstration that the destinies of France ic journey home from the city that and the U.S. had become tightly intertwined." houses the Statue of Liberty. A Commemorating Gen. Washington's headquarters in Newburgh and his meeting place with fixed marker on top of the cata- Gen. Rochambeau in Dobbs Ferry is part of a larger regional legislative effort led by U.S. Reps and maran alerts other sea craft of the French Caucus members Maurice Hinchey and Nita Lowey.By officially recognizing the route, they catamaran's presence and their only aim to encourage federal funding for historical preservation, tourism, and education in the region. L-R: Rep. Snyder, Rep. Boozman, contact with the outside world will On August 2-4, Ambassador Vimont was invited by the Arkansas congressional delegation to Amb. Vimont, visit with Dassault’s occur twice a day with a meteorolo- spend two days in Little Rock meeting with Governor Beebe and other dignitaries. He also toured Frederic Lherm in Little Rock. gist. Without a cabin, the catama- the Clinton Presidential Library and US affiliates ofFrench-owned companies,including Dassault Falcon Jet and L'Oréal USA,that have invest- ran will carry a tent for sleeping as ed in the state.He was introduced by U.S.Representative Vic Snyder before giving a speech on "France's Role in the World" at the Clinton School well as a 17-day supply of food. of Public Service. In Rogers, he addressed a crowd at the Arkansas Trade World Center on myriad issues, ranging from trade and investment to health care and diplomacy,after a warm introduction by U.S. Representative John Boozman, co-chair of the French Caucus. Impressed by In addition to the scarcity of pro- the state's skilled work force, the Ambassador plans to "spread the word that more French companies should invest in Arkansas." visions on the catamaran, the ocean presents many challenges An Illuminating Display of French Ingenuity and dangers. Yet, these men are no strangers to transatlantic Once upon a time, Alain Guilhot was told that light architecture was a "useless expense." challenges; in 2007 the two "Everyone thought I was crazy," says Guilhot. Now, more than thirty years after he created the sailed from Dakar, Senegal, to Light Architecture Council, people all over the world have come to see the value of light archi- Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, in a tecture, a process that manipulates the light of a structure or place in order to maximize its aes- record-breaking 11 days. "The thetics or practical utility. These projects can have grander implications for cities than just phys- Northern Atlantic route is deli- ical appearances, however. Light architecture is now considered to be a contributing element cate. The weather changes toward social peace, "the phenomenon [that sociologists call] 'reappropriation' of the city by its quickly and the water is about inhabitants. We create a link that provokes pride and respect for the neighborhood," Guilhot five degrees [Celcius]. There are explains. also ... zones that are very opolitan Museum of Art His recent projects include the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the Oriental Pearl foggy," according to Moreau. Tower in Shanghai, and France's .He also founded the world-renowned Festival Regardless of possible hardships © The Metr of Light, which welcomes four million visitors over the span of four days each December, and has associated with crossing the The Patronus Twin Towers designed and planned projects in Cannes, Rabat, Saint Petersburg,Doha, and Ho Chi Minh City. Atlantic, the two French sailors of Kuala Lumpur shine Of the countless cities Guilhot has visited, he still remains captivated by the energy and youth of are eager to set their sails in new thanks to Alain Guilhot. New York City, where he hopes to complete his next project: the illumination of Central Park. waters.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 3 [ In Depth ]

Paris Plage Brings Sand and Sun to the Seine lessons in fencing, table tennis, fitness, tai-chi, ballroom dancing, and a French favorite: pétanque, which is similar to bocce ball. If vacationers are looking to get their adrenaline pumping with some competitive sports, they can check out the "omnisport" area, which offers boxing, baseball, badminton, tennis and wrestling matches. And what beach would be complete without a little water to cool off from the sun? Not only does Paris Plage have a pool, but there is a plethora of water sports, including rowing, kayaking, and paddle boating. After working out, beachgoers can indulge at one of the 10 cafés or six ice cream stands, or partake in some of the free refreshments provided by Eau de Paris. And, in an epitome of summer relaxation, Paris Plage provides the perfect combination of physical and mental relief: massages. These, coupled with on-site health and nutrition counseling, give the public an opportunity to simultaneously rest and learn about their health.

© Sophie ROBICHON- Mairie de Paris Paris Plage: Past and Present Parisians soak up the sun and fun at Paris Plage, Paris’s beach. Paris Bertrand Delanoë's vision — a stretch of sand covering the cement of the When picturing the right bank of the Seine in Paris, palm trees and sandy beach- Pompidou Expressway — was brought to life in 2002 and instantly became a smash success, es do not usually come to mind. But in July, the area of the city bordering the attracting visitors in bathing suits by the droves. River Seine undergoes its annual transformation, becoming a communal vaca- The summer transformation ofthe Seine's banks has expanded to meet a growing demand, tion destination for Parisian beach-lovers. Paris Plage — also known as the Beach adding diverse attractions each year.In 2004, a 90-foot pool was added, allowing 200 people at of Paris — teems with action from July 20 to August 20 as millions gather to relax a time to splash into the summertime fun.After children have finished wading the waters,adults and delight in the sun at the heart of the city. are given the chance to participate in an adult-only aqua class. With showers, clothing checks Due to the downturn of the global economy, Paris Plage — which is free and changing rooms on location, the public can change or freshen up at the beaches to maxi- and open to all — expects a record number of visitors for the summer of 2009. mize their time in the sun. Forgot a suit or need a new one? Not to worry: vending machines It spans almost two full miles, most of which is covered by about 2.7 million dispense bathing suits for only $6.30.As time went on, other additions to the Paris Plages reper- pounds of sand. Paris Plage, however, includes quite a bit more than the aver- toire included rock climbing and music performances in the evening. age beach. Along the Georges Pompidou Expressway and the Hôtel de Ville, or With the development of these new features came the need to physically expand the beach. city hall, there are activities and services designed to educate and entertain peo- In 2007, Paris Plage's two ple of all ages. sand beaches, two grass As a family destination, this summertime getaway has many programs struc- stretches and pebble coast tured specifically for children. Curious kids can revel in the four different science attracted three million vis- programs: an astronomy section, where they can explore our solar system; an itors. Attendees reclined interactive sustainability area to teach them about recycling; a section where they on 300 deck chairs and can discover the ocean and its inhabitants; and, fittingly, a "sand area" where they loungers under the cool can study the physical composition of sand and dunes. For future artists, there's shade of palm trees and the Nougaro workshop, which blends music, poetry and art through the songs parasols. of Claude Nougaro, a French singer who melded traditional French music with This pedestrian para- Brazilian rhythms and American jazz. Children also have the opportunity to cre- dise benefits from the © Sophie ROBICHON- Mairie de Paris ate their own masks, drawings, digital art, t-shirts, murals and more. Jugglers and financial and in-kind con- Kayak courses quentch the adventurous musicians enliven the scene with performances tailored to a younger audience. tributions of 15 organiza- craving of city thrill seekers. While children exercise their tions which collectively provided approximately $1.4 million of the $3.5 million budget for minds and bodies, adults are free to 2009. Monoprix, a sponsor since the event's 2002 sandy inception, sets up stands on the side of take advantage of the diverse and the Seine and sells products to visitors. Société Lafarge, a seven-year participant, provides the plentiful selection of activities and beach with 2,000 tons of sand. Company Eau de Paris supplies pure drinking water to visitors, entertainment. The Jeunesses while FNAC contributes music, Citelum the lighting, Electricité de France the electricity and Musicales de France performs classical Orange the nautical equipment. music for two hours every morning, The popularity of the Parisian beach captured the attention of other European cities, and several evenings a week, people which also created their own versions of the event. Now in its sixth year, Toulouse Plage on will sway, tango or rock out to diverse the Quai de la Daurade in the South of France organizes touristic, athletic and cultural concerts sponsored by the FNAC activities. The Milano Beach offers similar entertainment and even a free day-care center. international entertainment retail In Hamburg, the public can use their regular city rail passes to take boat rides along the chain. There is also a beach library, Elbe River.Palm and coconut trees decorate Bruxelles-les-Bains, where the public can par- where bookworms can burrow into take in cultural and sporting events and enjoy exotic drinks and international foods under their summer reading for free while straw huts. The Berlin Strand set up beach bars while in Budapest, one can bask in the sun working on their tans, as well as a by day and dance in bars and gaze at the Danube by night. Adapting Paris Plage’s philoso- photography exhibition, featuring phy,admission is free for all the beaches. 25,000 historical photos of Paris. Paris Plage has revolutionized notions about vacationing in Paris and throughout Europe.

© Sophie ROBICHON- Mairie de Paris Sunbathing isn't the only way that Offering a plethora of activities and events, the banks of the Seine have become a public space Children and adults can splash beach goers can break a sweat. The that benefits all. This beach fulfills the city dwellers' wish for a fun and relaxing summer escape into a riverfront pool to cool off. athletic activities of the beach include without having to go any further than their own backyard for an affordable vacation getaway.

4 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Business and Technology ] MINI-DRONE MAKES HUGE IMPACT ON FIRE-FIGHTING Pipe Dream Comes True with Parisian Tunnel It is unheard of! Ten minutes of travel time ly for light vehicles, will have from Malmaison to Versailles, France, two decks with three lanes run- instead of the usual 45-minute drive. ning southbound on one level

French autoroute agency Cofiroute and three lanes running north- echnologies expects to complete the A86 tunnel by bound on the other. A low

2010. This Parisian motorway is expected clearance and narrow lanes ©Bertin T to significantly reduce the transit time for limit the size of vehicles that French fire-fighters are exploring commuters. An approximately $3 billion can enter to six-feet, eight- different uses for drones.

project, the tunnel will complete the A86 oute/Jean Zindel inches - similar to that of park- This summer, a mini-drone ringroad around Paris — a beltway that ing garages. These dimensions, equipped with a camera will will link the three main departments of © Cofir along with a slight incline of hover silently over buildings and Paris and relieve pressure on current road The completed A86 tunnel will ease commut- the road, restrict the speed homes engulfed in flame to deliv- infrastructure. This project also aims to ing for Parisians. limit to a proposed 44 miles er potentially life-saving informa- maximize safety with a camera-equipped radar system to regulate per hour.While an estimated 85 percent of Parisian vehicles meet tion to French fire-fighters —not in Steven Spielberg's latest movie, speed. To effectively control circulation, an information system the dimensions to take the East tunnel, larger vehicles will have but in the streets of Paris. will collect and relay data such as speed and density of traffic to a access to the West tunnel. The A86 West tunnel is a single-deck Developed by French company central control office. The tunnel will also increase accessibility and a two-lane, two-way tunnel. With 16 feet of headroom, larg- Bertin Technologies, MiniRec, as between the suburbs of Paris. er vehicles can run at 37 miles per hour to ameliorate safety con- this innovation is dubbed, will The tunnel will be comprised of two toll tunnels that run 50 ditions. This motorway will tunnel the driving experience in help la Brigade des sapeurs pom- miles under busy neighborhoods. The A86 East tunnel, exclusive- Greater Paris in a safer and more efficient manner. piers de Paris (Paris's Fire-Fighter Brigade) avoid extremely danger- ous situations while still allowing Ma Chaîne Étudiante Channels Student Resources them to achieve their goals. Test "Ma Chaîne Étudiante" (MCE), both a television channel and a Web site, will reach out to the runs began in July and have the hopes of both researchers and four million French people within the 16/29 age group on October 1. It is entirely dedicated to fire-fighters running high. student life and the difficult transition into the professional world.This television-Web site com- bination both informs youth as well as encourages networking and content sharing,and could MiniRec belongs to a family of become the first French community media platform to bring students together nationwide and drones called Hovereye and possess- encourage inter-school and inter-university exchange. es the same rotary wing technology With documentaries, television series, and reruns throughout the day, and three hours of that helicopters use, which allows it fresh content every evening,the channel will cover all facets of a French student's experience by to remain vertical in the air without providing information on jobs and career paths, advice on internships, health, housing, and movement. Operated by a joystick study abroad,reports on upcoming events such as concerts,movies,video-games,and trips,and from a control area on the ground, sports matches. MiniRec reaches up to 30 minutes of autonomous roaming thanks to its Programming will revolve around three major categories: "Information and Services," flight assistance that keeps it from "Orientation and Scholastic Training," and "Entertainment." Providing a wide spectrum of falling from the air. This mini-aircraft themes, the channel is comprised of a diverse bank of original programming, including the may be light at only 5.5 pounds, but MCE is an educational televis- daily Ma Quotidienne, a round-table talk show bringing together experts on specific issues, its impact promises to be heavy — tion- and Internet-based plat- C'est mon job! and Cas d'école that present mini-reports on a specific profession or scholastic "MiniRec is in some sense the form that caters to students. program, respectively,or Faîtes vos jeux! where viewers follow the process of business invest- detached eye of the fire-fighter in ments in humanitarian projects proposed by students. To appeal to an increasingly globalized world, foreign language content will also case of a disaster," stated Philippe be aired with and in its original version. Demigné, president of Bertin Technologies.

Prepare for a New Set of Wheels In addition to its use during fires, MiniRec could hypothetically be In the upcoming launching of the Autolib', a project initiated by Paris Mayor utilized to determine the level of Bertrand Delanoë, residents of Paris and 20 of its suburbs will be able to nav- contamination after a chemical igate their streets with an extra set of wheels. After encountering some legisla- spill or even in less dangerous sit- tive barriers, the project, riding on the success of the Vélib' which has offered uations, such as assessing crowds rentable bikes since 2007, received the green light. Like Zipcar in the United at concerts or soccer matches. States, this project will provide an environmentally-conscious alternative to However, "specific authorizations owning your own car. Autolib' will soon residents of Greater Paris to are necessary for [a company] to rent a vehicle for $21.4 to $28.5 per month or $5.7 to $7.1 per half hour, be allowed to fly a mini-drone according to initial estimations. A driver will have the option to pick up and above a civilian population," commented Demigné. For now, leave a car at any of 1,400 stations, 700 of which will be located in Paris prop- the future of MiniRec seems rela- er. Four-door vehicles with a trunk will be available for everyday use, while tively specialized — only time will two-door vehicles will provide a more professional alternative. To ensure that tell whether these mini-drones a car will be available, a subscriber will have the option to reserve it online. In will eventually become a com- total, 3,000 to 4,000 Autolib' cars are expected to cruise through the streets of Autolib affords drivers an economical mon sight throughout the Greater Paris by the end of 2010. means of transportation. of Paris.

NEWS FROM FRANCE 5 Society PARLIAMENT EXTENDS BUSINESSES [ ] OPERATIONS ON SUNDAYS The French parliament adopted a new bill on July 23 that extends the working French Say Oui to Obama and U.S. hours of certain French businesses and The 2009 Pew Global Attitudes Project, a poll covering a total of 25 nations, allows the operation of others on Sundays. The new law balances France's including France, demonstrates the tremendous improvement of French per- ceptions and attitudes towards the United States since President Barack Obama respect for family and personal time and © MAEE/Pool expanding economic opportunity by took office in 2009.Ninety-three percent ofFrench respondents confirm that the permitting more businesses to operate American presidential election improved their favorability towards the U.S. on Sundays. Businesses that benefit from Three out ofevery four now view the United States positively;a 33 point increase this legislation include those in touristic since 2008. French perceptions of American people have also improved: after an areas as well as those in cities with over 11 point increase overall since last year,three out of four now view the American one million people. Independently people positively. owned grocery stores in particular have The survey also demonstrates a newfound confidence in the American pres- been given permission to operate idency as 91 percent of French respondents voiced confidence in President Sunday mornings until 1:00 p.m. Presidents Obama and Sarkozy exchange a Obama.Eighty-two percent approve ofhis decision to close Guantanamo,84 per- Another important aspect of this legisla- display of respect at the NATO summit. tion is a noticeable increase of wages: it cent support his stimulus spending bill, and 88 percent back his decision to with- guarantees that employees will earn up draw from Iraq. In addition, 74 percent now support the U.S.-led efforts of counter which is a 31 percentage point increase since to doubled wages on Sundays and an 2007, and similar to the French attitudes recorded right after September 11, 2001. For more information, please visit: www.pewglobal.org. extra day off.

NATIONAL EDUCATION GOES DIGITAL Guinguettes Revive Riverside Joie de Vivre Originating in the 18th century, guinguettes have been a constant source of inspiration to artists. Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Bal du moulin de la galette and Vincent Van Gogh's La Guinguette are two artistic depictions of the socio-cultural role these establishments played over a century ago.Far from becoming obsolete, this milieu still has a powerful hold on the French imagination and cul- tural perception. The revival of the open-air cafés known as the Schools may be closed for the summer, guinguettes is bringing new life back to French river- but beginning this year, French students banks. These festive summer restaurants are the ideal from elementary through high school place for a Sunday of relaxation where friends and fam- can access free summer courses online ily gather to enjoy good food, drinks, dance, and enter- that allow them to review the subjects covered throughout the year and hence tainment, all to the sounds of local music. prepare their return to school. Former Guinguettes are reappearing from the shores of the education minister and current Minister Loire to the Seine. The popular Chez Gégène at Joinville- of Labor announced the le-Pont near Paris serves original fried foods and white Renoir's Bal du moulin de la galette (1876) depicts the launching of this free online service, wine while its terrace, overlooking the Marne, entices the jovial atmosphere of a guinguette. www.academie-en-ligne.fr, on June 19. public into a languorous tango or a wild swing.Other hot spots activities, such as canoeing, rowing races, water jousting, boat This new summer course service, operat- include la Goulue, where food is a family affair, and la Guinguette competitions, and fishing. ed by the National Center of Long de l'Ile du Martin Pêcheur, which is an ideal location for a picnic. On this side of the Atlantic, the Alliance Francaise de Distance Education is just the first step in Along the Seine, la Guinguette de Neuilly on Ile de la Jatte creates Milwaukee hosts on September 13 its 11th Annual Cercle d'Or the development of l'académie en ligne. the quintessential guinguette experience with red- and white- Fundraiser featuring its own guinguette experience from a This program aims to ensure equal opportunity and the continuation of a checkered table cloths and lush green surroundings. In Lyon, the local home titled Une Guinguette à Milwaukee.The evening is "free, secular, and obligatory" education Quai des guinguettes revitalizes bistros and Sunday lunches. With accompanied by a raffle for a visit to Lorgues, France; Dorset, system, as well as to adapt to the mod- satisfied appetites, people can engage in all types of river-related England; and a journey through Côte d'Azur, France. ern communication technologies. To achieve this, Minister Darcos hopes for the gradual buildup of an online resource where all contents and materials of the HIGH-TECH GADGETS vantages of the gadget in question. among Nielsen's Blogpulse's Top 50 Web National Education curriculum are glob- MADE ÜBERSIMPLE Since 2004, the site has expanded sites, and won the "Best Technology ally accessible to all people regardless of In Palo Alto, at the heart of exponentially with translated versions in Blog" award from Bloggie Awards. socioeconomic status and geographic the high-tech hub, Silicon Valley, French Chinese, Polish, German, English, and While the blog receives up to 800 gadget location. Expanding just as classes start this September, the site will soon offer a co-workers Hubert Nguyen and Eliane Spanish, as well as with additional fea- proposals every day, Nguyen and Fiolet whole school year's worth of content in Fiolet launched the blog Übergizmo.com tures such as Überrides for cars, Über- always select their gadgets with their the disciplines of French, history and hoping to simplify the "über-complicat- phones for the latest cell phone technol- audience in mind: "[They put themselves] geography, math, science and technolo- ed" world of technology for the general ogy, Überbargain alerting the public of in the user's place and see if the object is gy, and languages for elementary school public. This blog presents the latest news interesting deals on the market, and a practical in every day life...[and if] it is children. Content for middle school and in electric appliances, ranging from GPSs tool that provides users with their exact IP functional," according to the blog. high school curricula will be added by and USBs, to computers, medical appli- address and explains its purpose and use. News from France does not endorse October 30. As the site develops, it will ances, and military equipment. Each post Übergizmo was recently selected by PC the content, views, and opinions of become increasingly user-friendly and concisely communicates to the reader the Magazine as among the best sites treat- authors expressed in the aforementioned engaging with "videos, animations, and characteristics, advantages, and disad- ing general public electronics, ranked Web site. new resources." 6 NEWS FROM FRANCE [Cultural Highlights ] les coups d’oeil SIMULATION OF FIRST INTERNATIONAL Hidden Treasures in Paris FLIGHT TAKES OFF For the average tourist, visiting tours that explain its long and Paris includes climbing to the top interesting history. In the tun- of the Eiffel Tower, exploring the nels through which Victor vast hallways of the , or Hugo's hero, Jean Valjean, car- overlooking the entire city from ried the body of his adopted Picture this: a field near Calais on the the steps of the Sacré-Cœur daughter's sweetheart in Les French coastline, July 1909 (photo Basilica.Though these experiences Misérables, visitors explore above). Louis Blériot, a fearless French are certainly invaluable, the tourist ancient as well as modern aviation pioneer, will attempt to reach the English coastline in the Blériot XI, an — and, sometimes, even the devices that operate the sewers airplane made of seemingly brittle Parisian — can forget that there is and make this system one of and three wheels that could fit a much more to France's capital today's best, largest, and most child's bicycle. After eight years of strug- The sewers of Paris are just one of the than the most recognized attrac- efficient.On a sweeter note,wine gling with planes, Blériot crossed the “under-visited” attractions of the city. tions.Often,all it takes to discover a aficionados will appreciate English Channel in a less-than-smooth lesser-known museum, beautiful passageway,or romantic garden is 's Grape Harvest Festival, which celebrates the arrival of 37 minutes and became the first aviator a tiny detour. the latest vintages each year from Parisian vines with a costume to complete an international flight over By exploring one of the earliest neighborhoods in ancient Paris, parade, concerts, and a grape harvest. Other under-visited tourist water. Today, the Blériot XI hangs in a history-lovers can rejoice in the discovery of traces from the second attractions include a museum of magic in and the loca- church on the grounds of Paris's Musée century A.D. during the Gallo-Roman period. Located close to Rue tion of lovers Abélard and Héloïse's first meeting in the Ile de la Cité. des Arts et Métiers. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Blériot's Saint-Jacques on the Left Bank, one can view an ancient house with These sights are just a glimpse ofwhat one can discover with a lit- accomplishment, a group of aviation its own private baths, under-floor heating system, and wall paintings. tle research and an adventurous spirit in Paris. For more information enthusiasts will re-enact the historic For the less squeamish, Paris's underground sewer system is open for on tourism in France, please visit: www.franceguide.com. event with replicas of the Blériot XI or other restored vintage planes. "I expect to feel a bit of apprehension to look down and see the Channel ... Then to Comic Book Museum Draws Crowds in Angoulême land and have the earth beneath me The city of Angoulême in the west of France animates comic-lovers again, I think will be something of the with its recently unveiled Musée de la bande dessinée (Comic Book same relief and joy that he [Blériot] museum). Each year,the city hosts le Festival international de la bande would have felt," stated Edmond Salis, who has flown a replica of the Blériot XI dessinée (the International Comic Book Festival) which includes four before. Since Blériot's historic flight, avi- days of expositions, concerts, and the largest collection of comic ation technology has expanded expo- books for sale. Now,however,le Musée de la bande dessinée will offer nentially, but the basic thrill that Blériot comic book-lovers year-round access to exhibitions. must have felt during his crossing of the Though comic books were once considered a minor form of art, English Channel continues to draw recently comics have risen in prestige in the art world.Today,la bande adventurous spirits to the skies. dessinée has a much wider audience, on top of being recognized as a © Philippe Métifet legitimate, dynamic art form. "It is our ambition to show that comic FROM FRANCE, WITH LOTS OF The newly unveiled museum of la bande dessinée will books are a reflection of their time and society," stated Ambroise Two-thirds of French people are current- offer continuous access to comic books. Lassalle, the museum curator.The museum highlights the art form's ly in love, according to a survey con- ducted by TNS Sofres, a leading market- history by showcasing some of its most famous fictional celebrities ber has climbed to more than 8,000," confirmed Lassalle. The muse- ing and opinion research company in such as Bécassine, Gédéon, Tintin, and Mickey Mouse. A selection um also offers documentaries and a virtual workshop that demon- France, in May 2009. Among men, the parallels the development of Franco-Belgian and American comics, strates the comic book creation process. At the end of their museum number was as high as 71 percent, while another features Japanese comics. A number original objects, experience, visitors can browse the extensive collection of comics whereas 64 percent of French women such as mock-ups,lay-outs,and even statues ofthe well-known char- available for sale to take a little piece of the museum with them. For considered themselves to be either acters. "In the beginning,we had about 600 pieces. Today,this num- more information please visit: www.citebd.org. "passionately in love," "very much in love," or "a little in love." Perhaps something about the French air just It's Show Time for the Festival d'Avignon makes love more accessible, as 81 per- Avignon hosted its 63rd annual nizes a high standard of quality in the world of performing arts. cent of French people confessed to hav- ing experienced un grand amour, or a Festival d'Avignon from July 7 to Although this event takes place in France it isn't limited to a great love, and 22 percent of them have 29. Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, French-speaking audience; over the years the festival has reached even experienced it multiple times! The a famous French actor and direc- out to the international public by making its artistic program as poll also delved into social issues and tor, the Festival d'Avignon has accessible as possible to non-French speakers. From mimes to the- sacrifice in the name of love: 39 percent occupied a central role on the ater and dance to visual arts, the Festival d'Avignon has it all. of French people said that they would French cultural scene since its cre- This year's program was exceptionally rich with many leave their country for love; 37 percent ation.The festival took place in the nationalities represented and performances held in English, said that they would quit their careers Cour d'Honneur du Palais des Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Polish, German and Hebrew. By per- for love; and six percent said that they Papes,which was once the place of Crowds gather to enjoy forming in their native tongue, artists could rejoice in a greater would convert to another religion for residence of several popes. this year’s Fesival. freedom of expression. Throughout the festival, artists estab- love. It may have been a Brit who once declared that "all you need is love," but This acclaimed theater and performing arts festival allows artists lished a dialogue with spectators, immersing them in a multicul- if these statistics are any indication, the from all over the world to perform for a diverse crowd. For any tural environment favoring cultural exchange and creating a French have embraced that philosophy artist, participating in the Festival d'Avignon is an honor as it recog- unique, eye-opening experience. whole-heartedly.

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